Press Release
Following the announcement of the cancellation of 2021 Hajj for foreign pilgrims by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the government of Ogun state through the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board( OGSMPWB) has urged intending pilgrims to accept the decision in good faith and as the Will of Almighty Allah due to the Covid 19 pandemic that is ravaging the world.
Executive Secretary of the Board (OGSMPWB), Alhaji Salau Dauda Babatunde stated this today while speaking with information officers in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Dauda said that what is crucial at this point as Muslims and as a people is to accept the decision of the Saudi Kingdom on pilgrimage for this season, as the will of Almighty Allah and see the decision as one taken in the interest of the entire world.
“Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGSMPWB) is not unaware of the factors that may have influenced the decision of Saudi, as it has constantly being updated on trending events on Hajj both within and outside of Nigeria”,
“The recent position of Saudi is an informed one and should not be seen as an attempt to deny any Muslim his or her right to perform Hajj. Rather, a painful decision which had to be taken in the interest of the entire world”, he said.
The Executive Secretary commended the patience and obedience of all intending Pilgrims in the State particularly for their love for Allah which has been a strong motivating factor so far in performing Hajj.
He added that despite the initial stringent conditions put in place such as COVID-19 vaccination among others, Pilgrims in the State have demonstrated their love and faith in Allah, and showed high level of compliance.
Similarly, the Board said pilgrims who request for refund of their deposits will not be denied their right to do so, and as for those who would still wish to roll-over their funds, the Board urges them to wait for further directives in no distant future.
Finally the Board assures all stakeholders of its readiness to constantly deliver quality service as a mandate, and would not fail to update the public on further decisions taken after other necessary consultations.
Rasak Sekoni and Alabi Gafar.
Press Officers, OGSMPWB
